Top.



. Patented Oct. 29, IQUI. B. B. WARD. TOP. (Application fild Aug. 6, 1900.

(No Model.)

6W1 l'nessgsz (0m @MX f UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

BARTON BREWER WARD, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO THE AUTO- TOP (it TOY COMPANY, OF NEV YORK, N. Y.

TOP.

SEEGIFICATIQN forming part of Letters Patent No. 685,311, dated October 29, 1901.

Application filed August 8,1900. Serial No. 26,231. (No model.) I

This invention relates to an improvement in tops, and has for its object the construction of a top in a manner such that it can be easily spun and can be moved from place to place and otherwise handled without stopping it.

Another object is the construction thereof in a manner such that it will be Well balanced, so as to spin for a long time, and in a manner such that it can be manufactured at small expense.

With these objects in view the invention consists in a top constructed substantially as herein shown and described, and set forth in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, Figure 1 represents the improved top in side elevation. Fig. 2 is a vertical axial section of the same. Figs. 3 and a are vertical axial sections of modifications in the form shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The top primarily consists of a stem having one or two spinning-tips and a body portion journaled or freely turning upon the stem. In Figs. 1 and 2 the stem consists of a straight bar 5, to the end of which tips 6 and 7 are removably secured. The body portion of the top is preferably in the form of a conical shell 8, terminating at its apex in a projection 9, suitable for receiving the string with which the top is spun, and having at its base a flange 10, which may be of greater or less cross-section, as required, to give the desired equilibrium and momentum to the top. Between the tip 6 and the body there is preferably placed a sleeve, as 11, within which the stem may freely turn. By this sleeve the top may be held when set in motion.

In Fig. 3 the stem 5 is shown as having the tip 7 formed integrally therewith, while the tip 6' is extended to the top body, thereby In Fig. 4..the

dispensing with the sleeve 11.

tip 6" is formed integrally with the stem 5 and has a tip 7 removably secured to its opposite end, the same as in Figs. 1 and 2.

All of the tips are preferably terminated with a sphere bearing the spinning-point, as shown. This spheroidal shape of the tip is for the purpose of enabling the top to be supported upon a tube or stick with its axes in a horizontal or oblique plane while spinning. By journaling the stem within the body it is possible to pick up the top while spinning and move it to' another place or to reverse it or to locate it upon a stick with its axes horizontally or obliquely poised, the conical form of the body serving to make the top spin in such position as does the gyroscope. The addition of the sleeve ll further adds to the facility with which the top may be moved about. The conical form of the body also provides for throwing the weight thereof in substantially the same plane as the support given by the fingers when pulling ofi the string in starting the top. This adds greatly to the ease in holding the top while starting it. This formation likewise brings the pro jection 9, which receives the string, closer to the fingers while supporting the top in startingit than in any other forms of tops. This adds also to the ease with which the top may be started. Because of these features of construction just mentioned and because of the ability to construct a top of the form shown with accuracy the top is able to spin much longer than the average top. Because of the ability of the top-b0dy to spin upon the stem as well as with it this top may be advantageously used for receiving colored cards upon its stern while spinning. Such a card is indicated in Fig. 4. in dotted lines.

The top is intended to be spun upon either one of its tips and with the cone pointing upwardly or downwardly. In Fig. 3 this reversibility is illustrated.

The top may be made entirely of wood or entirely of metal or of any other suitable material, or the body portion may be of wood and the remainder of metal.

Other changes in the form and association of parts aside from those above mentioned may be made without departing from this invention.

1. A top consisting of a stem provided with a spinning-tip at each end one of which is removable,and the body portion journaled upon said stem between said tips and consisting of a conical shell weighted at its periphery and partially inclosing the stern and having an axial projection at the apex to receive the spinning-string whereby the point of support by the hand in starting the top is within the weighted part of the shell, substantially as and for the purpose set forth. Y

' 2. A top consisting of a stem provided with a removable spinning-tip at each end, the body portion journaled upon the stern between said tips and consisting of a conical shell weighted at its periphery and partially inclosing the stem and having an axial projection at the apex to receive the spinningstring, and a loose sleeve upon the stem within the concavity of the body portion whereby the stem and body portion of the top may at starting be freely supported by the hand at a point within the shell substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

Signed at New York city, in the county of New York and State of New York, this 1st day of August, A. D. 1900. I

BARTON BREWER WARD.

Witnesses:

H. O. TOWNSEND, ETHEL L. LAWLER. 

